Film and entertainment acumen is often passed down through the generations, and the Sandoval family live up to the demands of a budding dynasty in the local industry.

BY CHRISTA VALDEZ

Film industry related businesses are reaching all new heights—literally. This year’s Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will boast a uniquely New Mexico special shape, commissioned by local business owners Frank and Jackie Sandoval. The husband and wife team who first rolled out “Breaking Bad” RV Tours back in 2014, will be taking to the skies with an RV-shaped balloon this fall.

Frank and Jackie have been thrilling international audiences for years with their wildly successful tours of local “Breaking Bad” filming locations featured in the mega hit AMC series. Their one-of-a-kind tours, which shuttle fans all over town in a screen-accurate replica of the rolling meth lab made famous on the show, have been showcased on Orbitz, CNN, TripAdvisor and a Netflix documentary about filming locations.

In addition to the sought-after tours, the Sandovals often appear at conventions and special events with their Reel RV, a second replica which is outfitted inside and out for the ultimate “Breaking Bad” photo op for die-hard fans. From comic cons to industry meet and greet events, the Sandovals are the ultimate ambassadors of Albuquerque’s inextricable ties to the phenomenon that is “Breaking Bad.” Beyond entertaining international visitors, this family business also prides itself on giving back to the community – a percentage of their sales are donated to Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless.

Before the debut of the “Breaking Bad” RV Tours Balloon, Frank and Jackie will roll out their latest New Mexico film industry endeavors. Beginning in August the Sandovals will introduce the all-new NM Film Tours shuttle.

These new 90-minute tours will include filming locations from “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul,” “Terminator: Salvation,” “A Million Ways to Die in the West,” “No Country For Old Men” and many more. Supplementing this array of local filming locations will be a new retail store located in Old Town. This brick-and-mortar extension of the Sandoval family businesses will meet the needs of state film fanatics who need their fix of film and TV-related merchandise.

Film and entertainment acumen is often passed down through the generations, and the Sandoval children and extended family live up to the demands of a budding dynasty in the local industry. Whether appearing in acting roles or pitching in on tours, the entire Sandoval family stands strong together.

Branching out on their own, real-life Sandoval sisters Karissa and Mariah own and operate “Frozen” Unfolded, a princess character business. Initially a way to delight children at birthday parties and special events by appearing in costumes as Queen Elsa and Princess Anna, “Frozen” Unfolded now offers over 20 fairytale and comic book-inspired characters.

Whether behind the scenes, in front of the camera or through entrepreneurship like that shown by the Sandovals, the New Mexico film industry is a solid job creator.

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